Diverse lineages of pathogenic Leptospira species are widespread in the environment in Puerto Rico, USA

Nathan E. Stone, Carina M. Hall, Marielisa Ortiz, Shelby M. Hutton, Ella Santana-Propper, Kimberly R. Celona, Charles H.D. Williamson, Nicole Bratsch, Luis G.V. Fernandes, Joseph D. Busch, Talima Pearson, Sarai Rivera-Garcia, Fred Soltero, Renee Galloway, Jason W. Sahl, Jarlath E. Nally, David M. Wagner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria, is a common zoonosis worldwide, especially in the tropics. Reservoir species and risk factors have been identified but surveys for environmental sources are rare. Furthermore, understanding of environmental Leptospira con-taining virulence associated genes and possibly capable of causing disease is incomplete, which may convolute leptospirosis diagnosis, prevention, and epidemiology. Methodology/Principal findings We collected environmental samples from 22 sites in Puerto Rico during three sampling periods over 14-months (Dec 2018-Feb 2020); 10 water and 10 soil samples were collected at each site. Samples were screened for DNA from potentially pathogenic Leptospira using the lipL32 PCR assay and positive samples were sequenced to assess genetic diversity. One urban site in San Juan was sampled three times over 14 months to assess persistence in soil; live leptospires were obtained during the last sampling period. Isolates were whole genome sequenced and LipL32 expression was assessed in vitro. We detected pathogenic Leptospira DNA at 15/22 sites; both soil and water were positive at 5/15 sites. We recovered lipL32 sequences from 83/86 positive samples (15/15 positive sites) and secY sequences from 32/86 (10/15 sites); multiple genotypes were identified at 12 sites. These sequences revealed significant diversity across samples, including four novel lipL32 phylogenetic clades within the pathogenic P1 group. Most samples from the serially sampled site were lipL32 positive at each time point. We sequenced the genomes of.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0009959
JournalPLoS neglected tropical diseases
Volume16
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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